Head coach Garrick McGee says he is pleased with his team's progression through the first week of spring drills.

April 3, 2013

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The UAB football team battled cool and wet conditions as the squad took to the practice field for its fourth session of spring drills on Wednesday.

With temperatures in the mid-40s and a steady drizzle throughout most of the two-hour practice, head coach Garrick McGee says it is all just part of the game.

“Football is played in the elements, so that does not really affect you,” McGee said. “The surface – that affects your timing. There are guys sliding all over the field. It is hard to get traction with the linemen pushing back and forth. That was a major factor, but football is played in the elements.”

Wednesday’s weather also gave the skill position players time to deal with rainy conditions – something McGee feels is good for his quarterbacks and receivers.

“It is good for us,” McGee added. “Quarterbacks have to throw wet balls, so that is great for us to have to handle the ball in the elements, but the surface is what really makes it hard on the kids.”

UAB is now in its second week of spring practice and has 10 more sessions remaining before the Spring Game on April 27 at the West Campus Field. Through the first week of drills, McGee feels like his team is improving.

“Like I have said over and over, just the overall spirit from our football program and the commitment of everybody involved – I am not just talking about the players and coaches, but our academic staff, equipment staff, our training staff, the ball boys that are on the field – there is just a different vibe and a different spirit from everyone,” McGee said.

The Blazers will have a Friday and Saturday session this week before returning to the practice fields next Wednesday.